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New Japanese Merger Rules
Clear Path to More Local Deals

TOKYO -- New merger guidelines in Japan will make it easier for local competitors to merge, paving the way for even more -- and larger -- merger-and-acquisition deals in years ahead, analysts say.

The regulations, set to take effect in April, will lower the antimonopoly hurdle for many potential mergers between Japanese companies that under current rules would have faced keener scrutiny by Japan's fair-trade watchdog.